Kennedy Center Honors 2019: From 'Sesame Street' to Linda Ronstadt's tribute, here are top 5 moments fans loved

In case you missed the Kennedy Center Honors 2019, here are the highlights and the top five moments fans can't stop talking about.
UPDATED DEC 16, 2019
Honorees at the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Honorees at the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Celebrating arts icons as a "reflection of America," the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors recognized 'Sesame Street', actress Sally Field, musician Michael Tilson Thomas, singer Linda Ronstadt and the band, Earth Wind & Fire. Calling it an "amazing" show, many music lovers took to Twitter to share their thoughts after watching the prestigious awards.

"If you’re not watching the #KennedyCenterHonors then you’re missing out on some amazing talent," one fan tweeted out and another one wrote, "#KennedyCenterHonors were off the chain. @sesamestreet to @EarthWindFire...that's heaven right there." In case you skipped the show, here are the highlights and the top five moments fans can't stop talking about. "The #KennedyCenterHonors makes me cry! Such great talent paying tribute to the honorees ... touching flashbacks, kind words, great performances. Loving it all!" one wrote.

'Sesame Street' becomes first TV program to be honored

'Sesame Street' is the first TV show to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and fans cannot control their emotions as it brought them to tears. 

"#SesameStreet being honored on #KennedyCenterHonors is about ten years overdue. Awesome they have the original creators in the balcony. But 98% of the real creative force have all since passed, sadly," one fan posted and another wrote, "A great children’s TV show running for 50 years. Let’s all congratulate #SesameStreet for their #KennedyCenterHonors award."

Sesame Street characters (L-R) Ernie, Bert, Big Bird, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster attend the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Trisha Yearwood and Carrie Underwood pay tribute to Linda Ronstadt

Honoring Linda, Don Henley said, "Linda owned each and every genre she explored." Later Carried Underwood took to center stage and performed a medley of Linda's hits which included 'When Will I Be Loved.' Trisha Yearwood also performed several of her songs and many fans argued she did it better. Overall, it made music lovers immensely emotional to see their beloved artiste being recognized.

"Watching @KCHonors & tears watching @trishayearwood & @aaronneville perform the huge hit "Don't Know Much" in honor of #LindaRonstadt. Linda, you are LOVED. That much I know. God bless you," one fan wrote and another said, "Please tell me I'm not the only one who cried through the entire Linda Ronstadt portion of the Kennedy Center Honors. I'm a mess."

Honoree Linda Ronstadt attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC.

John Legend pays tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire by performing 'Can't Hide Love'

The first artiste who paid a tribute to the musical group, Earth, Wind & Fire, was John Legend, who took to the stage and performed a stunning rendition to their song, 'Can't Hide Love'. Spellbound by his performance, fans said he channeled his inner Maurice and did justice to the song. 

"Earth Wind and Fire is one of my fav bands. @johnlegend did them proud. #KennedyCenterHonors," one fan wrote and another said, "@johnlegend is the voice extraordinaire. #KennedyCenterHonors."

John Legend attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Audra McDonald’s radiant performance in salute to Michael Tilson Thomas

Audra McDonald sang some 'Porgy & Bess' numbers to pay tribute to Michael Tilson Thomas and floored everyone in the audience. 

"Michael Tilson-Thomas isn't talked about in the mainstream anymore, but he's really the Bernstein of the last 40 years. His interpretations of Gershwin's works are the most definitive of anybody's. #KennedyCenterHonors," one fan posted and another said, "Son just mentioned he met Michael Tilson Thomas. He complimented my child about his piano playing. CONGRATULATIONS, MTT & thank you for encouraging the next generation! #KennedyCenterHonors."

Honoree Michael Tilson Thomas attends the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

Sally Field 

Adding to the illustrious list of two Oscars, three Emmys, two Golden Globes, and a SAG award, Sally Field was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Actor Tom Hanks told Paula Reid that Sally Field's body of work has grown in "the most impressive way than any actor in Hollywood."

"#KennedyCenterHonors #LindaRondstadt #SallyField you are my inspiration as an actress and artist #utterlyequisitelyalive," one fan wrote and another posted, "I just adore @sally_field so much! Plus she was so sweet when I got to meet her. Such a wonderful actress & lady. #KennedyCenterHonors."

Honoree Sally Field gives Sesame Street character Abby Cadabby a hug and a kiss at the 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors Kennedy Center on December 8, 2019, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Kennedy Center Honors were telecasted on CBS at 8 pm ET on December 15 and a preview special aired on CBSN at 7 pm ET.


 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

At the time of writing, there is no official release date set for 'Tomb Raider'
5 minutes ago
The second episode of 'The Pitt' Season 2 focused on Dr. Santos' patient, Kylie, with many questioning the whereabouts of Kiara Alfaro
3 hours ago
Amid Dr. Robby and Dr. Baran's differences, the latest episode of 'The Pitt's' Season 2 ended with a patient in the ER shouting a cryptic number.
4 hours ago
Starz had previously confirmed that it would not produce a fourth season of the popular crime drama show
5 hours ago
The second episode of 'The Pitt' hinted at a possible romance during another grueling hour at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center
7 hours ago
Kennedy's move will set the stage for a major power shift at Lucasfilm and usher in a new generation of 'Star Wars' leadership 
8 hours ago
After Season 1's success, Peacock dropped 'Ted' Season 2 trailer, featuring high school havoc and a bizarre D&D game that changes everything.
10 hours ago
Dakota Fanning will star as an undercover Treasury agent in a multibillion-dollar international conglomerate with conflicting morals in the new show
10 hours ago
At the time of writing, there is no official release date for the eight-episode series directed by Matt Shakman
22 hours ago
'Bridgerton' Season 4 focuses on the complex and forbidden love story between Benedict and Sophie Baek
23 hours ago